Gun cabinet classes
Class 0 or Class 1? How many handguns are permitted in which safe, why the 200-kilogram limit is the deciding factor, and what the 2017 standard change means for old VDMA safes.
by Tim Herberger, Fachredaktion bei Bremer Tresor
Which gun safe is permitted depends on its certification. This determines how many firearms you are allowed to store inside it. The basic rule is set out in Section 36 of the German Weapons Act (WaffG) and Sections 13 and 14 of the General Weapons Regulation (AWaffV): Firearms must be stored in such a way that they cannot be stolen or misused by others.
Today, the decisive factor is the classification according to EN 1143-1. The resistance grade assigned there is usually referred to as the class for gun safes. Both terms mean the same thing.
Class 0 or Class 1: which one is right for you?
The most important point first: For hunters, the decision is not based on the number of pieces, but on the question of how much buffer you would like to have. Both options are compliant with the law.
How many firearms can each safe hold
| Certification | Handguns | Long guns | Ammunition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gun safe Class N/0 up to 200 kg | up to 5 | unlimited | unlimited |
| Gun safe Class N/0 over 200 kg | up to 10 | unlimited | unlimited |
| Gun safe Class 1 | unlimited | unlimited | unlimited |
| Safe Class 1 to 5 | unlimited | unlimited | unlimited |
Ammunition may be stored in the same certified safe in addition to the firearms. Those who wish to store them separately will find suitable models under ammunition safe.
In the video: the classes in practice
Our partner JagdMomente uses models from our range to show how the classes differ in everyday life and how much of a buffer makes sense.
The video only starts upon clicking. No connection to YouTube is established beforehand.
The 2017 standard change
In July 2017, the 2nd Weapons Law Amendment Act re-regulated the permitted storage standards. Since then, the following applies:
- Until July 2017
- Gun safes according to VDMA 24992 in security level A or B were permitted.
- Since July 2017
- Only gun safes according to EN 1143-1 are legally compliant.
There were two reasons behind the change:
- Relevance. The VDMA standards were withdrawn in 2004. They were considered outdated and not very meaningful because their test criteria no longer allowed for a reliable statement about actual security.
- Internationalization. EN 1143-1 is a European standard, whereas VDMA 24992 was only known in German-speaking countries.
Sorted by firearm type
You can find our models by firearm type under handgun safe and long gun safe. For an overall overview, see the gun safe category.
Suitable safes
